Where to go this summer: Top family-friendly destinations and discounts for 2025

Ready for a summer vacation to remember? I've got all the details on major events, new hotels, hair-raising roller-coasters, and special deals and promotions sure to make summer 2025 a memorable one.
Whether you're into beach vacations, outdoorsy getaways, or city escapes, there's something new and exciting you'll want to check out this summer. Here are my top picks for the best destinations, debuts, and deals for a fun-filled family vacation in summer 2025.
Why you can trust us: At FamilyVacationist, our picks are always based on our own real-world experiences, local knowledge and interviews, and in-depth analysis of travel trends. Read more about our travel recommendation methodology here.
The new Universal Epic Universe and the 70th anniversary of Disneyland are getting a lot of the theme park headlines these days. Not to be left out, Walt Disney World Resort is offering some major summer deals, too.
But there are also plenty of other new theme park thrills and special celebrations all over the country. Dollywood is celebrating its 40th anniversary with new shows and other events, and Silver Dollar City is marking 65 years with new shows and dining experiences and other down-home fun.
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In Virginia, Kings Dominion is celebrating its 50th anniversary season with new ride Rapterra, the world's tallest and fastest launched wing coaster. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is also marking its 50th anniversary, debuting new family-friendly inverted roller-coaster Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge.
Ohio's Cedar Point opens Siren's Curse, the tallest, longest, and fastest tilt coaster in America, this May. (Fun fact: The structure utilizes an old 160-foot Lake Erie shipping crane.) At Georgia's Wild Adventures – a theme park, water park, and animal park all in one – guests can check out the new Water's Edge expansion featuring three family-friendly rides. Kentucky Kingdom debuts its new family zone Discovery Meadow this summer, inspired by Kentucky's Bluegrass heritage and featuring three new rides.
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For the first time since 2019, both Walt Disney World Resort water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon – will be open at the same time this summer. And in 2025, Disney Resorts Collection hotel guests receive admission to one of the water parks on check-in day included with their stay.
Dollywood's Splash Country is celebrating its 25th anniversary season in 2025 with the return of its Splash Bash Music Series and new food offerings, along with old favorites like RiverRush (Tennessee's first water coaster) and a 25,000-square-foot wave pool. And Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles is marking its 30th anniversary this summer with a multimillion-dollar makeover that includes the restoration and resurfacing of all slides and upgraded food and beverage options.
Inland surfing spot Waco Surf in Waco, Texas, is adding The Lil' Wedgies mini slides to its water park offerings this summer. Designed specifically for young guests, the slides empty into a shallow wading pool ideal for little ones. The site is also home to what's rumored to be the longest lazy river in Texas.
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The Erie Canal turns 200 this year, and celebrations are taking place around Buffalo, New York, to honor the historic waterway. Events and activities include the 'Waterway of Change: A Complex Legacy of the Erie Canal' exhibit at Canalside, a replica canal boat open for public viewing throughout the summer, and walking tours around the area of the canal's original 1825 western terminus.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating its 100th anniversary in a big way in 2025, fitting for the world's largest children's museum. Little ones will love 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit,' older kids can check out costumes from "Black Panther" and other flicks in the 'Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design' exhibit, and the whole family can ride the Centennial Ferris Wheel outside the museum. (Indianapolis is also one of our best places to go with kids in 2025.)
The Force will be strong in Columbus, Ohio, this summer. At the Center of Science and Discovery (COSI), the 'Unofficial Galaxies' exhibit showcases props, ships, costumes, and more from the Star Wars franchise. Grab Land-Grant Brewing Co's Lightspeed beer at the Cantina within the exhibit, and make a weekend of it at The Junto hotel, where The Dark Side or Light Package lets you choose your allegiances and receive perks like themed cocktails and exclusive merchandise.
Kansas City, Missouri, is home to the new Museum of BBQ, the world's first museum focused on the much-loved cooking style. Exhibits dig into the history and different regions of American barbecue, with plenty of immersive activities including a baked bean-spin on a ball pit.
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Beat the summer heat by checking out Tucson's new Astro Trail. Download the free digital Astro Trail guide, and you can score discounts and earn points by checking in at stops along the trail to win prizes. (You can also pick up a physical copy at the Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor's Center in downtown Tucson.) Stops include Kitt Peak National Observatory, Saguaro National Park, and Pima Air & Space Museum, and many sites offer nighttime stargazing opportunities when temperatures are much cooler.
Boston's celebrating the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution all over the city throughout 2025. That includes special museum exhibits, themed tours, and reenactments.
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Something super is coming to Gaylord Hotels' Tennessee, Florida, Colorado, and Texas locations this summer. In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Gaylord Hotels will debut DC Summer, featuring super hero scavenger hunts, themed character dining, super hero water park celebrations, and pop-up retail stores with exclusive DC merchandise. At the Gaylord Texan Resort, the brand-new Universe of Light Featuring DC attraction will take guests on an immersive journey through the first-ever DC super hero-themed lantern show in the U.S.
Hotels are offering lots of fun, family-friendly packages for summer 2025. Grand Hyatt Vail's Wild West Package includes scenic horseback rides and a fireside camp-style dinner under the stars, while Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell's Sweet Summer Fun! package features an in-room candy charcuterie board and a locally made Navajo dreamcatcher keepsake.
Omni Hotels & Resorts is making a summer stay more appealing with 15% off two-night bookings and 20% off three or more nights through September 14, 2025. Kids 10 and under also eat free for breakfast and lunch all summer at Omni outlets that have a children's menu, with the purchase of an adult meal. At dinner, kids get 50% off the children's menu.
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If Hawaii sounds good right about now, check out the Ohana (Family) Package at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, which includes a daily buffet breakfast for four, two ocean-themed stuffed animals, a s'mores kit, and daily shave ice for four. (Make sure to go snorkeling right off the hotel's beach, where you might be lucky enough to spot sea turtles.) The Suite Family Package at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau includes 25% off the best available rate on suites, free kids dining at Vacation Café with a paying adult, $10 in daily arcade credits, and four movie tickets.
For multigenerational groups, The Shore Club Turks and Caicos is offering savings of up to 25% on its Estate Villas for stays through July 31. And longtime family favorite South Seas on Florida's Captiva Island is offering a variety of deals to celebrate its grand reopening after suffering damage from Hurricane Ian, including 25% savings on stays of two nights or more and up to 35% off regular rates for stays of seven nights or longer.
Red Roof's 'Redi to Roadtrip' promotion is offering a 10% discount and double RediRewards points to Red Roof RediRewards members, AAA and AARP members, and government and military personnel who book direct online or 800-RED-ROOF for stays through September 2, 2025. BWH Hotels also has a summer promotion, offering members of its Best Western Rewards program the chance to earn 10,000 loyalty points by completing a three-night stay at any brand hotel or up to 20,000 bonus points for stays of six nights by September 1, 2025.
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Want to stay somewhere new this summer? You have lots of options. Design lovers will appreciate The Tallison, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Carmel, Indiana, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, and the swanky Nobu Hotel Toronto.
Canal House Georgetown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers a sophisticated new way to stay in the nation's capital, while Mountain Modern Sedona makes it easy to explore the iconic Arizona destination. And if your summer plans include Grand Canyon National Park, consider a stay at Trailborn Grand Canyon, a new American West-inspired hotel on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona.
If it's not summer without a trip to the beach, the new Blue Flamingo Resort Key West offers guest rooms and suites with plenty of tropical touches, while Three Ducks Westhampton is a stylish new option in the Hamptons. Or for a different spin on a beach vacation, stay at the new OS Hotel in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, part of a development that includes a food hall in the city's historic art district but is still close to Ocean Springs Front Beach.
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Book by June 16 to take advantage of Bermuda's annual HellOOO Summer Sale, which offers deals for travel through the end of the year. You can score savings like 25% off a stay at Azura plus a $100 F&B credit, up to 20% off and a $50 nightly resort credit at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, and 15% off stays plus daily breakfast for two and up to $500 in resort credits at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.
Lodging properties throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast are taking part in Visit Santa Barbara's Third Night Free promotion. Book and stay by dates vary by property, and participating hotels include Rosewood Miramar Beach, Hotel Santa Barbara, and Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.
It's a summer of savings in Frisco, Texas, where families can enjoy savings of up to 30% off summertime stays at hotels like Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Hall Park Hotel, and The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa.
This summer's best destinations, discounts and deals for family vacations originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: From Disney to the beach: Summer 2025 family vacations with savings

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Miami Herald

11 hours ago

• Miami Herald

Fresh Beats, Family Fun and Summer Vibes Take Over Walt Disney World Resort

This summer, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is turning up the fun with the debut of Cool Kid Summer, an enchanting celebration filled with pop-up entertainment, interactive activities and family-friendly surprises across its theme parks, water parks and hotels. Now through September 1, guests can catch added character experiences, dynamic games, lively dance parties, two new stage shows, a nighttime parade premiering in July and more. Our family visited during opening week of Cool Kid Summer, and I can confirm that it's the can't-miss event of the season. Here's what to expect - and how to join the party. At Disney's Magic Kingdom, my children (ages 5, 5 and 8) danced with Pluto and played midway-style games at Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus, then headed to Tomorrowland for Galactic Blast, a space-themed DJ dance party with Stitch. At Hollywood Studios, we caught two new stage shows, followed by the interactive "Get Animated at Animation Courtyard," featuring jump rope performers, magicians, games, crafts and an indoor DJ dance party with Mickey Mouse and Disney Junior friends. At EPCOT, we spent a fun-filled morning at the all-new dance-and-play experience GoofyCore. And at Animal Kingdom, the kids earned limited-time Wilderness Explorers badges and participated in a singalong at Discovery Island. SheBuysTravel tip: For even more fun, stay at Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney's Wilderness Lodge - all of which are offering character visits, family games, music and more as part of the event. One of our family's favorite Cool Kid Summer spots is the brand-new GoofyCore activation at EPCOT, where CommuniCore Hall has been transformed into an immersive indoor play experience featuring a DJ dance party and games with Goofy and his friends. The memories created here are priceless; this is an event where Goofy made time to dance, play games and build forts with my kids. The two new stage shows at Hollywood Studios are also terrific: "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" and "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" are colorful, high-energy and perfect for all ages. SheBuysTravel tip: Make sure to pick up a Cool Kid Summer guide for each of the parks, as well as a limited-edition Magic Shot photo guide with a map to all the best spots for fun family photos. An interactive map can also be found in the My Disney Experience app. One major addition to Walt Disney World 's programming will be the dazzling nighttime parade "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away," set to premiere July 20 at Disney's Magic Kingdom. The first evening parade at the park since 2016, the parade will feature a majestic musical score, a procession of glittering floats and beloved Disney characters. Inspired by the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, guests will be treated to enchanting moments from Disney and Pixar animated films such as Moana, Encanto, Frozen and Peter Pan. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will debut sparkling costumes for the parade, with new themed treats and commemorative merchandise available for purchase. Some of the most memorable moments during Cool Kid Summer are the unexpected ones - the impromptu dance parties, surprise character pop-ins and themed sequences that appear out of nowhere. On our visit, a spontaneous banshee parade through Pandora at Animal Kingdom had our kids clapping and cheering alongside cast members, while at Magic Kingdom, we stumbled upon Rapunzel and Flynn Rider dancing in the streets. SheBuysTravel tip: Leave room in your days at the theme parks (and even resorts) to linger and explore. Disney has packed this seasonal event with moments meant to surprise and delight. Planning a visit? There are several new ways to stretch your vacation budget during Cool Kid Summer: 50% Off Kids Tickets: Save on multi-day kids' park tickets (ages 3–9) for visits through September Three-Park Ticket: Visit EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day (through Sept. 22).Disney Resort Hotel Deals: Save up to 30 percent on select resort stays from August 1 – October 11, with additional offers for Annual Passholders and Florida Subscriber Rates: Exclusive discounts for Disney+ subscribers, with hotel rates starting at $99 per night at select Resident Summer Magic Ticket: Four-day park ticket for just $60 per day (through Sept. 27).Free Water Park Admission: Complimentary water park entry on check-in day for Disney Resort hotel guests through Sept. 7. SheBuysTravel tip: Stay at a Disney Resort hotel to enjoy 30 minutes of early park entry each day; a smart way to beat the crowds and heat. To stay cool at the parks, try alternating indoor and outdoor attractions. Magic Kingdom Must-Do's: Essential Experiences for Preschoolers and Young ChildrenHow to Make the Most of Walt Disney World's EPCOT with Preschoolers and Young ChildrenInsider Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom with Preschoolers and Young ChildrenDisney World FAQs for First Time Visitors (and Veterans!) The post Fresh Beats, Family Fun and Summer Vibes Take Over Walt Disney World Resort appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved

Buzz Feed

4 days ago

• Buzz Feed

Epic Universe Ride Reviews: What's Worth The Lines

As you probably already know, Universal just recently opened its long-awaited third theme park in Orlando: Universal Epic Universe. Not only is this Universal's first new US park in over 20 years, but nearly every attraction inside Epic Universe is completely exclusive to the resort, meaning you won't find them at Universal Studios Hollywood, Japan, or any of their other parks around the world. From brand-new coasters to some truly impressive immersive dark rides and interactive experiences, the park is offering something completely fresh to guests. The attractions are located within the park's five immersive worlds: the retro-futuristic hub land Celestial Park, a Harry Potter land set in 1920s Paris and the Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe based on the Universal Classic Monsters, Super Nintendo World (a clone land of the one they have in Japan and Hollywood), and Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon. As I mentioned in my food review post, I was lucky enough to be invited by Universal to attend the media preview ahead of Epic Universe's grand opening. Over the past few years, Universal had slowly been dropping details about the rides, and with soft previews running for a couple of months before my visit, I had a pretty solid idea of what to expect going in — at least, I thought I did. Here I am frying in the sun in front of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, one of the attractions I was most EXCITED to ride. Now, while the park doesn't have a ton of rides, it would be hard to do them all because of the crowds and the size of the park. So, I rode as many attractions as I could in order to give you my thoughts on them and, most importantly, whether they're worth waiting in line for. Full disclosure: While I was invited by Universal to Epic Universe, all opinions are my own. Hiccup's Wing Gliders in Isle of Berk Thoughts: Tucked away in the Isle of Berk, this coaster might not have the hype of Stardust Racers or the name recognition of a Harry Potter attraction, but don't sleep on it because this ride delivers in a huge way. It also travels throughout part of the land giving you great views of the Isle of Berk, while making you feel like you're flying on a dragon. I rode it more than once, and it was just as exciting the second time speaking of Harry Potter, this ride gets a lot of comparisons to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and I can see why. I'd say this is a less scary version of Hagrid' I don't know if this is truly a family coaster, as it does have multiple launches, sharp turns, and some surprise bursts of speed. If you have kids and they're not used to roller coasters, I don't know if this would be a good first one to bring them on (unless they're on the older side or have ridden Hagrid's before). One con is that a lot of the queue is outdoors and not all of it is shaded, so in the heat, this could make waiting for the ride unpleasant. Bottom line: This is a must-do. Hiccup's Wing Gliders might not be the flashiest ride at Epic Universe, but it's easily one of the best. If you're a fan of Hagrid's or just want a coaster that nails the balance between thrills and fun, make this one a priority!!! Dragon Racer's Rally in Isle of Berk Thoughts: I didn't know what to expect from Dragon Racer's Rally. I hadn't really seen anything about it on TikTok or YouTube. Now, it looks super fun from the outside, with riders spinning and flipping through the sky like they're training to become full-on dragon racers. But once I got on, the experience kind of ride gives you some control over your "dragon vehicle," letting you attempt barrel rolls by shifting the wings yourself. In theory, that sounds cool, but in practice, I found it awkward and harder to pull off than expected. I spent more time trying to make the ride fun than actually enjoying it. I would say that on the plus side, it seemed like the queue, while outdoors, was shaded. Bottom line: This is a skip. Unless the line is a short wait, then it could be worth giving it a shot. Honestly, with Hiccup's Wing Gliders being such a standout attraction next door, I wouldn't rush back for this one. Meeting Toothless at Haddock Paddock in the Isle of Berk Thoughts: Okay, so this isn't really an attraction, and more of a meet-and-greet photo opp. I also get that a photo with Toothless sounds like a must-do, especially if you've got kids who love How to Train Your Dragon (some of the most popular animated films of recent years). But trying to get a photo with Toothless ended up being one of the more disappointing parts of my line was long, like, surprisingly long, and to make things worse, there's virtually no shade while you wait. In the Florida heat, that was a brutal combo, and I can't imagine trying to do it with kids. I never ended up getting my photo because my phone was running out of battery, and I ended up getting out of line. Bottom line: Unless you're a die-hard Toothless fan, this is one experience you can probably skip. With that said, I understand that with kids, you might not have the option to ignore this one, so it would be worth doing first thing in the morning (when it's cooler) or in the evening, when most people have already done it. And prepare your kids for realistic expectations about waiting in line for this one! Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in Dark Universe Thoughts: We got a lot of first looks, concept art, and previews of the animatronics for Monsters Unchained. All of this led to it being one of the most highly anticipated attractions at Epic Universe, and from a technical and visual standpoint, it really is one of the best rides at any theme park anywhere. The queue alone is jaw-dropping, with very detailed sets and effects that really set the tone. Of course, the animatronics throughout the ride are next-level impressive. Another thing, I found it refreshing to see an attraction (and land) that wasn't tied to an existing IP. Sure, it's based on the Universal Monsters, but not based on the old movies. An original concept in a big theme park in 2025? That alone earns it is where I might get people yelling at me: Once the ride actually starts, things get a little shaky. The storyline felt oddly pieced together. Not that rides need huge storylines, but this one just didn't pay off narratively. Also, the ride system is the exact one used in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which immediately made me compare it to that, and IMHO, this ride isn't as good as Forbidden Journey. Bottom line: Okay, this one I think is just going to be a difference of opinion, but I would skip it. However, I know people love this ride, so you might too. If anything, it's worth checking out for the visuals and top-tier tech, and immersive world. Also, I would NOT bring little kids onto this ride because they might find this pretty scary. Curse of the Werewolf in Dark Universe Thoughts: I am going to state the common complaint about this ride: Yes, it's short, but it's also a ton of fun from start to finish and packs in a surprising amount of thrills for its size. With quick turns, smooth launches, and just the right amount of intensity, it strikes a great balance between family-friendly and genuinely thrilling (like there were a few moments where I thought my phone was going to fly out of my pocket). It also has a spinning coaster ride system, which makes it unique from most other coasters. Another pro is that this ride's queue, while outdoors, is forest-themed, so there are lots of trees to help protect you from the sun. Bottom line: Even if it's not the flashiest or longest ride at Epic Universe, Curse of the Werewolf is absolutely worth hopping on, especially if you love a smooth coaster with smaller thrills and zero filler. Constellation Carousel in Celestial Park Thoughts: I'll admit, I wasn't expecting to be wowed by a carousel, but Constellation Carousel ended up being a delightful surprise. From the glowing, Art Nouveau-style creatures to the starry lighting and ethereal music, the theming wonderfully matches Celestial really makes it stand out is the movement; the carousel vehicles don't just go up and down (pretty high!), they gently perform 360-degree rotations, which adds an almost floating sensation that's totally unique. Bottom line: Yes, this is just a carousel, but it's absolutely one you shouldn't skip. It's beautifully designed and whimsical, and perfect for the entire family. One thing I would recommend is riding this at night, when all the lights and effects are more visible and the carousel takes on a dreamy look. Stardust Racers in Celestial Park Thoughts: Stardust Racers is hands-down one of the must-do rides at Epic Universe. As the park's signature high-speed roller coaster and one of its overall signature rides, it delivers exactly what you'd hope for: an adrenaline-packed thrill ride. The dual-track setup adds an extra layer of excitement, especially when the coasters seem to narrowly miss each other in a perfectly timed near-collision said, if you're going in expecting something as intense or wild as VelociCoaster over at Islands of Adventure, temper those expectations just a tiny, tiny little bit. Stardust Racers is thrilling and fast, but with slightly less intensity. Bottom line: Do NOT skip!!! Stardust Racers is a fast-paced coaster that absolutely earns its place as a headliner. And likely a ride you might want to ride way more than once. Also, the green side is slightly more intense than the yellow side, if that makes a difference to you! Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge in Super Nintendo World Thoughts: I've ridden this ride before at Universal Studios Hollywood, so I knew exactly what I was getting into. First off, it's definitely a cool concept, but the actual ride just doesn't land for me. The queue and theming are incredible (walking through Bowser's Castle is a legit highlight, and it's filled with a TON of Easter eggs), but once you're on the ride, it starts to fall apart a bit. The augmented reality headset is clunky and can be confusing, especially if it's your first time riding. It's hard to tell what's actually happening in the game part, and the gameplay mechanics (steering, aiming, and trying to hit targets) just feel a little awkward and overwhelming. Bottom line: If you've never been on it before, it's absolutely worth doing once just to experience it all, especially if you're a Nintendo fan. But it's definitely not something I'd wait more than 30–40 minutes for. Yoshi's Adventure in Super Nintendo World Thoughts: This ride is an exact clone of the one they have at Universal Studios Japan (in fact, the whole land seems to be an exact clone). I don't think I have ever done a POV watch of the attraction on YouTube, so I had no idea what to expect. I really, really, really wanted to like Yoshi's Adventure because it looks adorable, gives scenic views of the land, and adds so much kinetic energy to the land. But unfortunately, the experience just didn't do it for me. Views aside, the ride is extremely boring, with most of it out in the open sun with very little there's a light gameplay element where you're supposed to search for colored eggs, but I genuinely didn't realize that was even part of it until halfway through because I heard the people in front and behind me asking themselves if there was a game involved. Bottom line: I'd skip it. Yoshi's Adventure might be best for younger kids, who will enjoy the visuals. It's definitely not something I'd wait in line for. Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country (located within Super Mario World) Thoughts: I had seen a few POV TikToks of this ride when it first opened in Japan, so I was really excited to ride this. And, it lived up to everything I expected, in fact, I walked off loving it way more than I expected. The ride does a great job mixing impressive tech, amazing animatronics, and some genuinely thrilling moments!!! Of course, there's also the "boom coaster" system that creates the illusion your cart is leaping across broken tracks, and it totally works. (Though I actually think it might even look better from the outside than while you're actually on it.)While some people have said the ride is too short, I actually thought the length was just right. Along with the other complaint that the ride is too shaky, as it's mimicking the sensation of being on a rickety mine track, which I also didn't mind, as I thought it added to the ride. With that said, be prepared because it is really shaky, and don't pull out your phones and try to film because I saw more than one person almost lose it due to the shaking. Bottom line: Mine-Cart Madness is a must-ride, full of great theming and thrills. This is also a great coaster for kids who are ready to ride something with a little more intensity to it. Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Thoughts: Going into Le Cirque Arcanus, I had no idea what to expect. In fact, I might have skipped the show had the people I was with not suggested we check it out. I'd heard mixed things, with some people saying it wasn't good. But after seeing it myself? I honestly don't understand the criticism. I was genuinely impressed!Based on a traveling wizarding circus from the Fantastic Beasts films, the show blends live performance, optical illusions, and large-scale puppetry in a way that's visually striking and super immersive. The performers were great, and the puppets and magical creatures were especially well done. Also, the storytelling was really good, and I found myself wondering what was going to happen next. Bottom line: Le Cirque Arcanus might not be your typical theme park show, and yes, it could be a little intense for smaller kids, but for fans of darker fantasy and theatrical storytelling, it's absolutely worth checking out. Plus, its queue and theater spaces are nice and air conditioned, which makes it a perfect place to escape on a hot day. And lastly, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Thoughts: Immersive and detailed, like you stepped into the movie, from the moment you enter the queue, it's clear this ride is operating on another level. This is one of those rides that instantly cemented itself as a must-do, and not just for Harry Potter fans, but for anyone who loves immersive, story-driven you're on the ride, you find out the scale is massive, the details are rich, and the experience feels more in line with something like Pirates of the Caribbean. There is a scene where a Death Eater animatronic moves so fluidly that it took me a moment to realize he wasn't a person in a costume. Yes, the ride uses screens and a lot of them, a big complaint I've seen online. But honestly, it works 90% of the time. The screen effects are blended seamlessly with physical sets and effects, and it would've been nearly impossible to pull off the storyline demands without them. The transitions between practical and digital work well together, so that you're never really pulled out of the action. Bottom line: It goes without saying that this is a MUST-DO for me!!! My first thought upon entering the Battle at the Ministry was the line in Jurassic Park where John Hammond says, "Spared no expense." You can tell the amount of money and care Universal put into the attraction to make it big, bold, and flawlessly immersive!Now, there are no front-of-the-line passes available for this attraction, and waits can get into three-plus hours. So, if you go, keep that in mind as you might have to sacrifice doing other attractions to get on this one. Okay, with everything all said and done, most of the rides at Epic Universe absolutely live up to the hype! From the jaw-dropping scale of Battle at the Ministry to the unexpectedly fun Hiccup's Wing Gliders, these attractions are not only thrilling, they're also imaginative, ambitious, and soon-to-be classics. BTW, stay tuned, I'll be sharing my overall thoughts on the park experience and some helpful tips for making the most of your visit!!!

Boston Globe

6 days ago

• Boston Globe

Smaller amusement parks hope for a strong summer under the shadow of tariffs

Advertisement So far this year, however, there's been no letdown. 'We've had good crowds, and everyone seems excited to be here,' said Brian Hartley, vice president of Playland's Castaway Cove, in Ocean City, New Jersey, which boasts 30 rides, miniature golf, go-karts, and other beachfront attractions. 'As long as the weather is good, they're ready to come down.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up That's true for park-goer Chris Del Borrello, who visited Castaway Cove on a bustling Friday evening with a group of 10 family members, including his four children. 'We come here every year because it's so fun, and we build memories every single summer,' he said. Tariffs loom over the summer tourism industry just as leisure travel is expected to get back to pre-pandemic levels. The U.S. Travel Association expects Americans to take 1.96 billion trips this year, up 2% from 1.92 billion last year. Travel spending is also expected to increase 2% year over year. Advertisement Tariff Pressures As park operators prepared for the summer travel season, President Donald Trump unrolled on-again, off-again tariffs against U.S. trade partners that made planning difficult. For example, additional tariffs on goods made in China started at 10% in February, rose to 20% in March, ballooned to 145% in April, and were reduced to 30% in May. On Wednesday, the Trump administration put the number at 55%. Hartley said he ordered items like stuffed animals for games from China early to beat the tariffs – and benefited from the reduction announced in May. 'We loaded up. We're tripping over stuff at this point,' he said. 'We tried to purchase as much stuff as we could to be ready for the season, because that little bit makes a big difference in the bottom line at the end of the day,' he said. In particular, the park added two new rides this year, but parts were delivered back in the fall. Not all parks were as fortunate. At Adventureland, in Farmingdale, N.Y., the steel structure for a new ride, Wave Twister, and some China-made game prizes like plush toys and basketballs were affected by tariff costs, said manager Jeanine Gentile. 'We ordered them months ago before the tariffs were in place, but they typically arrive for delivery at this time of the year, and so obviously the tariffs were in before we received the product,' she said. 'We did have to pay additional for those tariffs in order to get the product.' So far, the park is absorbing the cost. Its operators made the decision not to raise ticket prices this year. But that could change next year. Advertisement 'We've just sort of felt that if we can do this (not raise prices) for Long Island and for our guests, let's do it where we can afford it, at least for this season,' Gentile said. Economic Uncertainty Aside from tariffs, economic uncertainty is the biggest challenge for amusement parks this season. Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which is co-owned by country legend Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment, opened a week later in March due to concerns about the economy, Director of Communications Pete Owens said. But attendance at the park, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, so far is up 4% from last year. Attendees are spending but looking for deals. This undated image released by Dollywood shows the new FireChaser Express attraction at Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Curtis Hilbun A promotion giving discount tickets to public employees has proved popular. Owens said he is seeing customers buy tickets for their families closer to their actual visits instead of several days or weeks in advance. Some are even waiting until they're in the Great Smoky Mountains to make a purchase. 'I think they're all still looking very closely to see what value pricing there is or what opportunities there are,' he said. The same holds true at Silver Dollar City near Branson, Missouri, an 1880s Western-themed park, which draws its visitors from what president Brad Thomas calls 'America's heartland,' an 'oval' in the middle of the country, including Minneapolis, Denver and Memphis and Houston, Texas. 'What those families tend to say as they visit us is that they want their families just to escape, even though there's a lot of concerns in every family's life, they're all dealing with time pressure and money pressure and inflation pressure and all kinds of other things,' said Thomas. Advertisement He said this year families coming to the park are sticking to a plan, moneywise. 'They have carved the money that they'll spend in their day with us or their days with us,' he said. 'They've planned that into their budget.' Back at Castaway Cove, Hartley said that while the season is going well, he worries about the mood of consumers as economic uncertainty persists. That could affect trip planning later in the summer. 'People that really haven't already booked a vacation … it may affect, do they come down here for a weekend? Do they not? Do they come for two days instead of four or five days?' he said. 'I think people don't know what the future is going to hold.'